The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two suspects, identified as Usama Maj Sheikh and Ajmal Ali, for being involved in a plan against India and for trying to create religious tension.
The arrests exposed an alleged plan to spread communal hatred, promote Sharia law and brainwash youth, which both suspects were allegedly doing.
During the investigation, the ATS found that a WhatsApp group named “Reviving Islam” had about 400 members from Pakistan, including three administrators.
One mobile number linked to the group was found to be from Uttar Pradesh. The number was traced to Ajmal Ali, a resident of Amroha near Moradabad, who was using social media to spread certain messages.
During questioning, Ajmal confessed he was in contact with several persons from Pakistan. He also said he considered Dr. Usama Maj Sheikh, a resident of Maharashtra, as his mentor.
Ajmal told the ATS that he and Dr. Usama were connected through Instagram and the Signal app, where they discussed plans to remove the government in India and implement Sharia law.
Ajmal was arrested in Lucknow on August 1 and Dr. Usama was arrested from Maharashtra’s Badlapur on August 4.
According to the ATS, both accused were in contact with individuals in Pakistan and were planning to promote violent jihad and Ghazwa-e-Hind through social media.
The ATS also said the two men were trying to influence other Muslim youths to act against non-Muslims and take part in activities against India.
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